“When Serene gets here,” Elliot informed Luke, “you have to compliment her.” “What?” asked Luke blankly. “I’d do it,” said Elliot. “In fact, I’m going to do it, I doubt I can restrain myself, she’s a perfect elven being. But I compliment her all the time; it doesn’t have the same impact coming from me.” “What?” asked Luke, even more blankly. “Do you want her to leave us?” Elliot asked. “Is that what you want?” “What?” said Luke. The blankness was now inscribed, as on a white page with red pen: “What horrifying thing are you saying, Elliot? What are you trying to imply?”
